SURFACE EMG AS A METHOD FOR OBSERVING THE MUSCLE ACTIVATION PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH STRATEGIES OF STRING DEPRESSION USED BY CELLISTS

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for identifying muscle activation patterns associated with diverse strategies used by cellists to perform a single performance task. One component, force application, was chosen for study from the broader paradigm of movements required by cellists to stop pitches. A single subject was asked to stop a pitch with his anatomic third finger with four predetermined playing strategies. Surface electrodes were placed on seven muscle sites in the shoulder region to record electromyographical (EMG) activity associated with the execution of the task component. A specially instrumented cello was used to monitor time of finger impact in relationship to EMG activity. Rigid controls were established to ensure uniformity of execution for each performance strategy. These controls also reduced the possibility of mistaking non-task-related EMG activity for task-related activity. Identifiable and consistent differences in temporal patterns and relative amplitudes of EMG among the prescribed playing strategies give support to this method of observation.